Williams and Botha rematch likely

SONNY BILL WILLIAMS is heading for a December rematch with South African boxer Francois Botha.

The former All Black beat Botha in a controversial points decision in Brisbane earlier this month in their WBA heavyweight bout.

The rematch is likely to be in South Africa.

Following the first match there were allegations of match fixing and bribery against Williams, and an alleged failed drugs test by Botha.

All of those are disputed, as well as claims the belt Williams won was not sanctioned, making a rematch an enticing proposition for all involved.

Botha’s promoter, Thinus Strydom told Afrikaans newspaper Rapport that he had agreed a second fight with Williams’ manager Khoder Nasser.

“They do however have a few pre-conditions, like sending samples three months prior to the fight as well as directly after the fight for dope tests. We don’t have an issue with that,” Strydom told the newspaper.”

No contract could be signed until the TV rights had been secured.

Durban and Cape Town were likely destinations, and the December date would fit in with Williams’ NRL commitments.

He is expected to take to the field for the Sydney Roosters in their final pre-season trial match against the Tigers in Sydney on Saturday.